INDIANS DEAL FOR FUKUDOME

The Cleveland Indians, surprising contenders in the AL Central, have acquired OF Kosuke Fukudome from the Cubs for two minor leaguers. Fukudome, 34, is owed $4.7M on his 2011 contract and the Indians will only pay $775,000 of it.

Going to Chicago are single-A OF Abner Abreu and AAA P Carlton Smith. Neither minor leaguer was ranked in Baseball America’s top 30 prospects in the Indians organization.

Fukudome is hitting .273/.374/.369 in 87 games this season. The Tribe are looking for offensive and defensive help in the outfield with Shin-Soo Choo on the DL until August.